Misere by Kassanna

Author:Kassanna [Kassanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Kiele swung Karma up on her back and leaped over a puddle. The little girl clutched her neck and giggled. Darcel was fast on her heels, and Loubel brought up the rear. Loubel ran past her, glanced over his shoulder, and winked. The overcast day was perfect for a hike. Without the sun bearing down on them, they were able to run nonstop without breaking a sweat. He pulled up short and held an arm out to stop them from passing him.

She slowed down and trotted to a stop and gazed over at him. “What’s up?”

“Get caught in that bog and it will suck you down like quicksand.” He pointed his chin at the spot in front of her.

Far as she could tell, it was a tidal pond, left behind when the inlet receded. Water lilies bloomed on the surface and darker streaks of mud striated the brown water. She toed the edge and the ground was spongy.

Loubel snorted. “Don’t believe me, catin?” He tilted his head to look past her. “We can climb along those old trees to get across.”

“I was checking, you know you can be a little dramatic sometimes.” She spun around and gazed at several felled Cypress crisscrossing each other. Kiele gazed down at Karma. “She’s too little for that.”

“Stop thinking like a human, Karma is a shifter.” He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “Probably a lizard like her mama or maybe a snake like her daddy. She’ll be on the other side of the mound before we are halfway across.”

Karma stuck her tongue out.

“Do that again, little lady, and you won’t have a tongue to stick out.” Loubel crossed his arms.

“Think you can do it, little one?” Kiele peered down at the child.

Karma nodded her head and wiggled.

“I’ll follow her.” Darcel stepped up next to Karma. “If something happens to her, Keen will have a fit.” He sighed.

“Huh?” Kiele pursed her lips. “I think I missed something.”

“It’s a long story,” Darcel murmured. “Come on, Karma.” The two took off running.

Loubel streaked past her. “You’re going to get left behind, catin.”

Kiele couldn’t contain her amusement and laughed out loud as she sprinted toward the group. Darcel and Karma were scrambling across the thick limbs. Pieces of bark fell away, raining down on the earth below them. Loubel was far enough from them to give the kids room yet close enough to get to them if need be. She slipped over a wide trunk and pulled up on the hefty branch. A small snake slithered out from a thicket, and Kiele hesitated. The pigmy rattler shook its tail in defense.

“Shoo snake.” She reared back.

A hand darted in front of her. She looked up and Loubel had the snake by its head. His brows were drawn together. “Stop playing with the locals.” He slid between the gaps and dropped the reptile in the water.

“Keep your kin out of my way.” She offered him a hand and he clutched her fingers.

“Rattlers ain’t no relations of mine, might be related to your mama though.

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